The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized over 100 truckloads of substandard, falsified, and banned medicines and narcotics from markets in Lagos, Abia, and Anambra states.
The agency’s Director General, Prof Moji Adeyeye, revealed that the enforcement exercise, which lasted for six weeks, was aimed at saving the lives of Nigerians and fostering trade.
Adeyeye warned that the seized medicines could have ruined the nation, reduced the quality of life of millions of Nigerians, and fueled banditry and terrorism.
According to Adeyeye, the agency evacuated 27 truckloads of violative medicines from Idumota market in Lagos, while 80 truckloads were seized from Aba and Onitsha markets. The NAFDAC boss noted that the merchants of death, masquerading as medicine dealers, had mobbed the police and NAFDAC staff to protect their illicit trade.
Adeyeye emphasized that the agency needed to conduct the enforcement exercise to protect the lives of Nigerians and foster trade. She added that NAFDAC was doing this to save lives, promote public health, and reduce the scourge of counterfeit medicines on the country.
The agency’s Resident Consultant, Sayo Akintola, disclosed that the seized medicines included tramadol, codeine syrup, and other banned substances. Akintola noted that the exercise was a major breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit medicines in Nigeria.
Adeyeye praised the agency’s staff and police for their bravery and dedication to the enforcement exercise. She noted that the staff had risked their lives to evacuate the seized medicines, and some had even been attacked by the merchants of death.
The NAFDAC boss called on Nigerians to support the agency’s efforts to rid the country of counterfeit medicines. She urged the public to report any suspicious activities or sales of fake medicines to the agency.
Adeyeye also emphasized the need for collaboration between NAFDAC, the police, and other stakeholders to combat the menace of counterfeit medicines. She noted that the agency would continue to work tirelessly to protect the lives of Nigerians and promote public health.
